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Did you know that October is Energy Awareness Month? Your home can quickly turn into an energy vampire while sucking your bank account dry. This is especially true as we head into the 2025-2026 winter season.
With energy rates climbing by 13% and predicted severe weather threatening New England, household budgets face unprecedented pressure. National Energy Awareness Month reminds us that proactive home improvements protect your investment. They’re about controlling costs year after year.
What is Energy Awareness Month? A Brief Backstory
National Energy Awareness Month educates both kids and adults on energy and sustainability. It recognizes how energy production is used. Energy Awareness Month is another opportunity for us to teach you about home energy savings. This is especially in relation to our exterior remodeling products!
Energy Awareness Month Reminder: Rising Rates Meet Harsh Winter Predictions
As New England residents prepare for another winter, energy costs are climbing at an alarming pace. Eversource customers face rate increases of approximately 13%. National Grid has announced roughly 4% increases due to necessary infrastructure maintenance. These aren’t temporary spikes—they reflect ongoing investment needed to maintain reliable service.
The timing couldn’t be worse. According to the Farmers’ Almanac Winter 2025-2026 prediction for New England, we should brace for “Chill, Snow, Repeat.” Here’s what’s coming:
- Widespread wintry weather across the region
- Frequent snowstorms throughout the season
- New England will rank among the coldest areas in the country
- Particularly harsh cold snaps expected in January
- Residents from Minnesota to Maine face a “wild ride”
What does this mean for your wallet? You’ll be spending considerably more money this winter than last summer. The combination of rate increases and severe weather creates the perfect scenario for skyrocketing bills. Being proactive with energy-efficient home improvements helps you prevent costly moisture damage. You’ll stay warm and cozy while protecting your investment.
Exterior Home Remodel: New England Home Transformations
Seeing is believing! An exterior home remodel can make your home look and perform its best all year long. Take a look at some of our top upgrades for energy savings, including roofing, windows, and siding.
- Replacement windows in Kennebunk, ME
- GAF roof installation in Beverly, MA
- James Hardie installation in Marblehead, MA
- Vinyl siding installation in Kittery, ME
See a style that inspires you? Be sure to book with us today for a free estimate and save money during Energy Awareness Month!
Energy Saving Tips For Fall: Replacement Windows
How To Save Energy With Your Local Windows Contractor
Professionally installed top rated energy efficient windows transform your home’s thermal performance. DIY approaches simply cannot match professional results. Here’s what separates exceptional window performance from mediocre results:
- Glass Configuration:
- Make sure windows are engineered with at least double pane glass, if not triple pane
- Single-pane windows do not effectively block transfers during fall and winter
- Gas Fills:
- Inside glass panes, you should have argon or krypton gas
- These clear, odorless gases provide insulation and prevent heat transfer in winter
- Low-E Coatings:
- Low-e is an invisible application on the glass panes
- Allows sunlight to help naturally heat your home during winter
- In summer, the application reverses and prevents your home from heating up like an oven
- Air Infiltration:
- Check for drafts, leaks, and gaps around window frames
- This allows energy to escape during winter, causing your HVAC system to work in overdrive
- Choose windows with the lowest air infiltration ratings to create an airtight seal
- Understand there’s no such thing as a 100% airtight window—only a solid wall can lock all airflow
- Click HERE to learn which windows have the lowest air infiltration in the industry
- Professional Installation:
- Opt for professional window installation in Massachusetts and other New England areas
- This is incredibly critical for the windows’ performance
- Even slight measurement errors or improper installation techniques result in substantial energy loss. This negates the benefits of premium windows
- Insulated Frames:
- Windows should contain insulated frames
- Foam inside frames fills hollow cavities that would otherwise allow extra energy to escape
- Insulation provides superior thermal performance and helps improve window structure
- Energy Star Certification:
- Make sure windows are Energy Star most efficient certification windows
- This government-backed program guarantees performance and potential energy savings for homeowners
Specialty Windows That Maximize Energy Efficiency
Consider upgrading to energy efficient bay windows or energy efficient bow windows. These combine architectural beauty with superior thermal performance. These specialty windows create additional interior space while meeting the highest efficiency standards. This requires proper installation by certified professionals.
Replacement windows are known to help with home energy savings. However, another area to look at with your home’s thermal envelope is your siding.
How to Use Vinyl Siding as an Energy Saving Solution
Now let’s discuss how working with a local vinyl siding contractor impacts energy savings. As one of our top energy-saving tips for fall, consider replacing outdated exterior with vinyl siding.
Here’s how it can help with saving energy:
- Weather Protection:
- Your exterior home remodel serves as frontline protection to the elements
- Vinyl siding is not susceptible to those elements
- It will remain as a protective shield to your exterior through all seasons
- Proper Installation:
- Vinyl siding panels should be installed evenly and flush against the exterior
- Tend to any loose siding panels
- They expose your exterior to the elements which can result in damage or energy loss
- Damage Prevention:
- Make sure your siding is not damaged with cracks or holes
- This can cause the vinyl siding to otherwise underperform
- Insulated Backing:
- Professional installation of energy efficient siding ensures proper techniques that maximize R-value
- Vinyl siding should contain foam-backing—the right way to side your home
- This insulation increases the R-value of the product
- It’s important for keeping your home warm in winter
- Insulated vinyl siding increases R-Value by up to 80%
- Thermal Protection:
- The insulation also protects heat transferred from the wood studs
- This also results in energy loss
- In fact, this is where 25% of a home’s energy can escape
Keep Your Home Protected from Autumn Moisture Damage with James Hardie Fiber Cement
During Energy Awareness Month, you don’t want to forget about the cold and damp weather. You want to ensure you’re investing in the best possible product when you choose to re-side. Fiber cement costs less than wood. It doesn’t attract pests. It resists water absorption to help protect against mold, swelling and cracking. This keeps your investment beautiful longer.
Expert installation of energy-efficient siding solutions like James Hardie fiber cement with HardieWrap® provides an incredible moisture barrier. Hardie® weather barrier keeps your home comfortable and dry. This protection requires precision and expertise that only certified contractors can deliver.
Energy Saving Tips: Install a GAF Roof System
Thanks to our incredible quality products including GAF roofing, we help you protect what matters most. Whether it’s for a comfortable homeschool setup or you simply want a warmer home this fall, we have you covered. We’re trusted GAF approved contractors! Everyone knows that new roof installation keeps you dry. However, it also creates a warm and cozy home in the fall. Here’s what you need to know about home energy savings with your roofing:
- Shingle Condition:
- Look for any missing shingles or curled shingles
- This exposes the roof deck to the elements
- Can result in moisture damage, eventually compromising energy savings performance
- Attic Temperature:
- Your attic should be the same temperature as the outdoors
- If your attic gets warm in winter, it can result in potentially dangerous ice dams
- It also signifies that your roof is not properly ventilated
- Proper Ventilation:
- A well-ventilated attic is key to energy savings with your roof
- Allowing cool winter air to pass through your attic keeps the rest of your home cozy
- Vent Protection:
- Energy Star warns you to never cover your soffit vents with insulation
- This blocks airflow from circulating in the attic
- It makes the attic and roof less energy efficient
Maximize Performance with Premium Roofing Materials
Professional installation of energy efficient roofing materials delivers superior thermal performance. Amateur installation cannot replicate these results. The choice between options like energy efficient roofing shingles requires expert guidance. This matches your home’s specific needs and architectural style.
An energy-efficient GAF roof system can lower energy bills by up to 25%.
Complete Your Home's Thermal Envelope
While windows, siding, and roofing form the foundation of your home’s energy efficiency, don’t overlook energy-efficient door solutions. They complete your home’s thermal envelope. Professional installation ensures proper weatherstripping, threshold adjustment, and airtight seals. This prevents energy loss at every entry point.
Even More Energy Saving Tips for Fall
Your windows, vinyl siding, and roofing make an incredible difference with home energy savings. To finish off the list, we’re sharing our top tips in the graphic below!
Celebrate Energy Awareness Month with Coastal Windows & Exteriors: Get Your Free Estimate Today
What better way to celebrate Energy Awareness Month than with professional exterior upgrades from Coastal Windows & Exteriors? Take the celebration to the next level by seeing your home for free in 3D! Enjoy seeing your home transform before your eyes with the product of your choice. Reach out to us for your autumn exterior home remodel. Fortify your home against winter’s wrath and the rising energy costs ahead. With expert installation and premium products, you could potentially reduce your annual energy expenses significantly.
Don’t let another winter drain your budget. Contact Coastal Windows & Exteriors today for your free estimate during Energy Awareness Month. Discover how professional exterior upgrades can protect your home and your wallet for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Awareness Month and Home Efficiency
Q: What is energy awareness month?
Energy Awareness Month is a national October initiative that empowers New England to take control of their energy use:
- Educates homeowners about energy conservation and sustainability practices
- Recognizes how energy production impacts our environment and budgets
- Provides timely reminder for New England residents to prepare for winter energy rate hikes
- Encourages strategic home improvements that deliver immediate comfort and long-term savings
Q: How much am I losing in energy costs due to my current siding/windows, and what’s my potential savings with an upgrade?
Energy losses vary based on your home’s age and condition, but the financial impact adds up quickly:
- Outdated windows and siding can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars annually in wasted energy
- Comprehensive exterior upgrades typically reduce heating and cooling costs enough to notice meaningful monthly savings
- With Eversource rates climbing 13% this winter, addressing energy losses becomes even more financially compelling
- We can scan your home using thermal imaging to reveal exactly where your money escapes, prioritizing improvements with best ROI
Q: Which siding material offers the best insulation value for New England’s extreme temperature swings?
New England’s climate demands materials that withstand dramatic temperature fluctuations from subzero winters to humid summers:
- James Hardie fiber cement with HardieWrap® provides exceptional moisture management critical for freeze-thaw damage prevention
- Insulated vinyl siding with foam backing increases R-value by up to 80% compared to traditional vinyl
- Foam backing prevents heat transfer through wood studs where up to 25% of home energy escapes
- Elite Preferred Contractors understand installation nuances that maximize performance in harsh regional conditions
Q: Are my windows contributing to drafts, and how do I know if they meet current Energy Star 7.0 standards?
If you feel cold air near windows in winter or notice condensation between panes, they’re likely costing you money:
- Energy Star 7.0 sets specific performance benchmarks for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient by climate zone
- Modern windows require double-pane glass with low-e coatings, argon or krypton gas, and insulated frames
- Windows installed just 10-15 years ago may already fall short of today’s efficiency standards
- Professional assessment compares your windows’ air infiltration ratings against current benchmarks
Q: What exterior upgrades qualify for energy efficiency tax credits or rebates in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts homeowners have access to various financial incentives for energy-efficient improvements:
- Federal tax credits often apply to qualifying window replacements, insulated siding, and energy-efficient roofing materials. However, current credits expire in December 2025.
- Mass Save® programs may potentially offer rebates for comprehensive home performance improvements including air sealing and insulation
- Many incentives require professional installation by certified contractors with proper product documentation
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors stays current on available programs and guides you through qualification requirements!
Q: How does proper installation impact the energy performance of my new siding or windows?
Installation quality determines whether premium products deliver promised performance or fail prematurely:
- Even highest-rated materials cannot overcome improper installation—poor work often negates benefits entirely
- Single millimeter measurement errors or improper shimming creates gaps allow air infiltration and condensation
- Elite Preferred Contractor certification ensures adherence to manufacturer-specified protocols that preserve warranties
- Our siding installers keep our eyes on the important details like sill pan installation, fastener placement, and caulking techniques
Q: How will new siding or windows affect my home’s resale value beyond just energy savings?
Energy efficiency improvements deliver immediate returns through lower bills and significantly boost home value at resale:
- Fiber cement siding installations can return over 100% of cost at resale, some studies show 121% returns (Source: Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, Boston Market)
- Updated exteriors dramatically enhance curb appeal—often the decisive factor in buyer’s initial impression
- Today’s buyers prioritize low-maintenance exteriors and Energy Star-certified windows that won’t require immediate investment
- Professional installation documentation and transferable warranties add buyer confidence in quality and longevity
Q: Can you show me thermal imaging or data proving how my home is losing energy right now?
Transparency through technology forms the foundation of informed decision-making about your home:
- Thermal imaging cameras reveal exactly where your home loses energy through heat signatures
- Images identify gaps in insulation, air leaks around windows and doors, and thermal bridging through studs
- Coastal Windows & Exteriors uses an educational approach that empowers homeowners with property-specific knowledge
- Data-driven methodology allows you to prioritize investments based on factual analysis rather than guesswork
Q: What’s the expected lifespan and maintenance requirement of energy-efficient materials versus what I currently have?
Long-term value encompasses both initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs over a product’s lifetime:
- James Hardie fiber cement lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance—primarily painting every 10-15 years
- Premium insulated vinyl siding with lifetime warranties eliminates painting entirely while maintaining decades of performance
- Energy Star-certified windows typically last 20-30 years with minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and weatherstrip replacement
- Professional-grade materials offer economically sound choice for long-term homeownership through extended lifespan and superior energy performance